Iloilo Aims to Become Premier Sports Tourism Hub

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Tourism and sports officials have pledged to establish Iloilo City and nearby areas as a key sports tourism destination in the Philippines.

This was the central message of the recently concluded Sports Tourism Forum held at the Richmonde Hotel in Iloilo City.

Nearly 100 participants from across the province and beyond—representing tourism, travel and sports sectors—gathered to hear top industry experts share best practices in event management and sponsorship, along with case studies.

Charles Lim of Sports Turismo Alliance Inc., organizer of the Sports Tourism Forum series, said the one-day forum achieved its objectives through strong collaboration between tourism and sports stakeholders.

“What was most rewarding were the reactions of organizers of large-scale events who expressed interest in bringing events to Iloilo after recognizing its potential,” Lim added.

He cited Princess Galura of Sunrise Events, the group behind IRONMAN 70.3, 5150, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series and CyclePH, as showing strong interest in staging races in Iloilo.

Likewise, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH, shared plans tied to the revived Tour de Luzon.

The forum was co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, led by Regional Director Krisma Rodriguez.

Speakers included DOT Director Roberto Alabado III, Mary Jamelle Camba of the Subic Bay Freeport, Celso “Toots” Jimenez Jr. of the National Big Bike Convention and Carlo Sampan of Nestlé Philippines, who announced Iloilo will host this year’s MILO Marathon national finals.

Enthusiasts of rugby, surfing, cycling, pickleball, rowing and running attended alongside local government officials from Panay and Negros Occidental.

The panel discussion featured Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Group General Manager Art Boncato, Iloilo City Sports Development Head Rein Dayot, Dr. Richard Gabayoyo of West Visayas State University, and moderator Charles Lim.

“This long-awaited event would not have been possible without the support of DOT Region VI, Mayor Jerry Treñas and the City of Iloilo, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Province of Iloilo, Cebu Pacific Air, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Iloilo MICE Alliance, Richmonde Hotel, The Travel Club, Southwest Tours and Bongbong’s,” said Lim.

The Sports Tourism Forum was first held in 2004 in Cebu to support preparations for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.

Since then, it has been staged in Davao, Clark, Subic, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Laoag and Manila.